Yankees patch up bullpen, infield—but another major pitching concern looms
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Follow UsThe New York Yankees enter their 2025 Spring Training campaign riding the momentum of an American League Championship season, yet several crucial roster questions remain unresolved. Despite successful efforts to strengthen their bullpen and shore up their infield, the organization faces two pressing concerns: establishing adequate pitching depth and addressing a notable vulnerability against left-handed pitching.
While the competition for the starting third base position has garnered significant attention – featuring DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and Jorbit Vivas – deeper concerns persist regarding the team’s offensive capabilities against southpaws and the need for a complementary platoon option alongside Jasson Dominguez.
Confronting the left-handed pitching challenge
Beyond individual roster battles, a broader strategic concern emerges regarding the team’s effectiveness against left-handed pitching. Juan Soto’s departure has created a noticeable void in this aspect of the offense, potentially exposing a vulnerability in the lineup’s construction. The absence of an established platoon complement for Jasson Dominguez further compounds this challenge, forcing the Yankees to explore creative solutions for optimizing their batting order.
While Boone may attempt to leverage existing right-handed options within the roster, the lack of a proven power threat from that side could develop into a significant weakness as the season unfolds. This situation may necessitate additional roster moves, either through trades or late free-agent acquisitions, if spring training performances highlight this deficiency.
Major questions confronting Yankees this spring
The Yankees’ roster has undergone significant transformation, integrating prominent acquisitions like Max Fried, Cody Bellinger, and Paul Goldschmidt with established stars Aaron Judge, Anthony Volpe, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. As manager Aaron Boone begins the evaluation process, several critical decisions demand resolution.
Third-base competition takes center stage
The hot corner presents perhaps the most intriguing positional battle of spring training. With Chisholm expected to assume second base duties, four candidates emerge as potential solutions at third: LeMahieu, Cabrera, Peraza, and Vivas.
LeMahieu’s situation proves particularly complex. The 36-year-old veteran, still owed $30 million over the next two seasons, has battled persistent lower-body injuries in recent years. Cabrera offers versatility, though the organization may prefer to utilize his adaptability in a utility capacity. Peraza, despite his defensive prowess, has yet to establish himself as a consistent offensive contributor and faces additional pressure without minor league options remaining. Vivas represents an intriguing left-handed hitting prospect but lacks major-league experience.
While the coaching staff hopes for a clear frontrunner to emerge, Brian Cashman’s recent comments suggest a potential scenario where Chisholm alternates between second and third base depending on matchups, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Defining Marcus Stroman’s position
Among the most perplexing roster decisions facing the Yankees involves determining Marcus Stroman’s role within the pitching staff. Carrying an $18 million salary, Stroman’s position remains undefined despite previous trade exploration efforts.
The current rotation projects to feature Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil, potentially relegating Stroman to a sixth starter or bullpen role. While he briefly transitioned to relief duty late last season, his limited exposure (one appearance) and postseason absence raise questions about his optimal deployment.
The situation remains fluid, with potential injuries or renewed trade discussions possibly altering the landscape, but the immediate challenge lies in maximizing Stroman’s value within the existing staff structure.
Health monitoring takes priority
While the Yankees have navigated the offseason without major surgical interventions, the medical staff maintains vigilant observation of several key players as camp progresses.
Jonathan Loaisiga’s recovery from UCL surgery continues, with a return anticipated later in the season. Recent acquisitions Max Fried and Carlos Carrasco have already initiated live batting practice sessions, while position players, including Bellinger, Volpe, Chisholm, Cabrera, and Dominic Smith, have engaged in early hitting work. The organization’s promising young talent – Dominguez, Spencer Jones, Everson Pereira, Peraza, and Vivas – has also participated in preliminary workouts.
The coaching staff maintains a particularly cautious approach with the pitching staff, recognizing that early spring discomfort could significantly impact regular season availability.
Pathway to Opening Day resolution
As the Yankees progress through their spring schedule, three primary storylines will dominate the narrative: solidifying the infield configuration, determining Stroman’s role, and addressing the team’s performance against left-handed pitching.
The foundation appears set for another competitive season and potential pennant run, but the resolution of these remaining roster questions could significantly influence the team’s early-season success. While positional battles and pitching depth naturally command attention, the team’s ability to handle left-handed pitching may ultimately prove the most crucial factor in their championship aspirations.
The coming weeks of spring training will provide valuable insight into how effectively the Yankees can address these challenges, potentially determining whether additional roster moves become necessary before Opening Day. With the American League landscape becoming increasingly competitive, the successful resolution of these issues could prove pivotal in the Yankees’ quest to build upon their recent postseason success.
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